Application of lignocellulosic food waste for the production of industrially viable enzymes

Enzymes such as α-amylase, protease and xylanase offer potential for numerous industrial applications such as foods and beverage production, pharmaceuticals and animal feed production, detergents, textile, cosmetics and biodiesel production. Economic factors such as achievement of optimum yields and production cost are the main deterrents in the industrial use of these enzymes. Enzymes are generally produced via microbial fermentation using expensive mediums which account for 30 to 40% of the production cost. Food industry wastes such as Brewer’s spent grain or apple pomace are a major environmental burden worldwide. However, these inexpensive food wastes can be utilized as a substrate for the production of enzymes, which can significantly reduce the production cost of the enzymes and also enhance the value of underutilized food waste.
Present project aims at the isolation, purification and characterization of α-amylase, protease and xylanase using lignocellulosic food waste as a substrate for the production of enzymes. Optimization of enzyme production will be achieved by response surface experimental design, scaling will be carried out in 7L bioreactor and further downstream processing will be achieved using appropriate techniques. Finally, enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactives compounds will be carried out to find the potential value of isolated enzymes.
The PhD student will gain experience in several complementary disciplines, including biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering, biochemistry and food technology. The student will work in an established research group within the School of Food Science and Environmental Health, DIT with a wide range of equipment and expertise available. The project will allow attendance at an international conference each year for result dissemination and networking.

Student Requirements:

Essential:
• BSc (min. 2.1) in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Biochemical Engineering or related area
• Working experience of fermentation process
• Experience in operating bioreactors using microbial and enzymatic systems
• Knowledge of research techniques and methodologies in enzymology/protein chemistry
• Experience in the purification and characterization of enzymes/proteins using modern analytical techniques

Desirable:

• Excellent communications and writing skills
• Proficient in using MS Office and statistical packages
• Must be able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiative and discuss/develop own ideas, creative and have a problem-solving ability
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team

To submit an application and for further information please visit our PhD page at www.dit.ie/phd